Purchasing a '96...need some opinions

[Gman]

I posted this on the LT4 forum, but this forum gets lots more traffic. I'm looking at a black on black LT4 coupe. The car has 88k. Options include Bose premium sound and chrome sawblades. The engine, trans and clutch seem very tight and I could not detect any oil control problems. Everything on the car works. The paint is in great shape with only one small rock chip. The interior is in exc cond. with only 1 small wear mark on the drivers side carpet. The mieage scares me a bit but the car does seem clean and tight. It also has a clean Carfax. I believe I can pick it up for 11,500 or possibly a bit less. What do you think?

Thanks!!!!

Also, can anybody fill me in on the oil change light?

 

[Tuna]

88K miles doesn't worry me much. Price is very reasonable for an LT4.

You might expect to change in the near future are the wheel bearing hubs if they haven't been replaced already.

I'm working on 102K on my 92 and still the original clutch - don't know how long it will last but I'm changing it next month anyway. The hubs went between 90 and 95k.

Oil change light - supposed to indicate when the oil needs to be changed and uses start cycles, rpm, etc. What I've noticed is the light comes on between 5 and 6,000 miles. To reset it, turn the ignition on but do not start. Press the Eng/Met button twice then press and hold the Gauges button. The oil change light should start flashing. When it stops flashing, it is reset.

 

[randy_red_texas]

Spend a $150.00 and have a pro who knows vetts go through the car completely. Thats a great price if the tranny and engine are right, if there is any monkey business going on, the pro should find it. That is a strong engine and great ride for the money.

Good Luck!

 

[beamer]

I have a 96 collector's edition with 32,000 miles. bought it with 22,000 miles on it. got the extended warranty. by all means - spend the bucks and have a good corvette guy go over it. I just had the rack and pinion replaced - check that out - see if its loose or worn. the pumper steering pump - may need a reseal. and check all the little things - does the ac work- does it have the automatic climate control - those doors don't work a lot of times due to the vaccum lines breaking. but the programmer is $ 700 and the dash controls are $ 300. figure the tires are about $ 1300-1500 for a set of four. good luck - I love my corvette.

 

[Vettart]

LT-4 GO FOR IT! The mileage could have been well cared for miles. I would think that most Vette owners are pretty careful with their rides. Even the drag racers and autocrossers are watchful and replace parts in the high wear and tear catagory. If the engine is clean, my guess would be that the former owner liked the car enough to take care of it.

 

[kingman]

Daily Driver????????????

Hi
If you are not going to use as a daily driver go for it. I'm sorry l didn't go for the LT4.

And for $11,500 you cannot go wrong because we aren't talking about much unless you have unexpected problems.
Your problems could wind up costing you a lot of $$$ and then your vette is still only worth $11,500.

The best rule of thumb is, get the latest model year you can afford
at the cheapest price. You really should keep away from vettes with over 50,000 miles as a daily driver.

By the way my dealer's mechanic drives a 88 with over 270,000 miles and it looks and sounds good.

Alan

 

[Chetzki]

Ditto Ditto

Have it checked out... sounds great for the price.

Nice Choice!!!! I love my car!

Chetzki

 

[Gman]

Thanks for the advice guys...

Here is my reply from the LT4 board;

OK, here's the skinny on the car. The seller took a recent road trip and the mileage is now a tick over 90k. The a/c just quit working, not a problem for me, a good friend is in the business. I really wrung the car out tonight ( man, these things are sweet ) and the engine and drivetrain seem extremely tight. The car is virtually rattle free. None of the shocks are showing leaks. All guages are reading normal and the cooling fans are fine. Brakes were done 4k ago so no problem there. Lights are in perfect working order and the lenses are exc. as is the Bose Gold, even the antenna works. All power equipment works. I jacked the car up ( yep, brought the floor jack with me ) and found no leaks or damage anywhere. It does need a belt and hoses. The paint has a small rock chip on the front of the left fender ( pinhead size ) a small vertical scratch near the left "gill" and has some light swirl marks. There are a few small chips on the mirrors and one on the windshield. All exterior badges are good. The weatherstrip is not torn but is showing age. It has a painted roof that is tight and has no problems. Interior wise, one of the Bose gold emblems are missing in the rear and it's missing the small plastic piece behind the tilt lever ( I believe there should be one there??). The plastic, console and leather are all in great shape, but the car ( especially the interior ) needs a detail badly. The seats work as they should. The chrome sawblades are beginning to peel slightly along the outer edges. Annoying, but liveable for now. The engine compartment also needs a full cleaning. Quite honestly, it will take a week of nights and weekends to detail the car. So far, I feel the seller has been forthright with me. I saw the receipt for the tires, and they have 4k on them and look good. As I mentioned before, the Carfax came back clean. The seller said he is homesick and wants to leave Georgia asap. He brought it to Carmax and they made him an offer. I figured they really lowballed him so I did too. I offered him 9700.00 and we settled on an even 10k. Yep, your read that right. The deal is not complete and won't be until this weekend. I'm very pleased but won't be happy until it's in my garage ( I hope I'm not jinxing myself by talking here.) Hell, it could end up being a money pit but who here wouldn't take what I feel is an educated risk? I don't know about the deal of a lifetime Huffer, but I'll let you know in about a year...

Tuna, the wheel bearing hubs have not been replaced and the mileage is right about where my '86 was when I had to replace them. I kind of expect a problem there.

Kingman, it's not going to be a daily driver but rest assured, it's going to get driven!...

 

[JTB]

Gman: It must be in the air (in Gainesville) b/c I just bought a 93 six speed. Wow, I really hope it works out and she is resting in your garage by this weekend. It sounds like you got a STEAL!!! If you ever see a Polo Green coupe, flag me down! Keep the shiny side up Congrats....

 

[Gman]

I'll keep a look out, JTB. I read about yor find in your thread. Sounds pretty nice. And I noticed the '84 is now for sale...Hope you get what you want out of it...

 

[Tuna]

Congrats on the purchase. Sounds like you got a real deal.

 

[kingman]

Sweet Deal!!!!!!!!!!

G-man

You really are going to enjoy your new toy. Keep in mind that you now have the power to stay with a C5.

Just enjoy the vette and do not put any money into the reconditioning of it unless it's for mechanical reasons.

After a couple of months then you can decide where to put your money.

As far as the chips, it's really easy to fix as long as it's on a vertical surface. Pick up a small bottle of Mother's paint something or other. It will say on the label "uses Lanka Technology".

When you pick it up, just e-mail me and l will walk you through it. No biggie!

Good Luck

Alan

 

[Gman]

Thanks, Tuna. I think so too.

Alan, the chip on the fender is on the curve of the fender just in front of the wheel well. The other chips are on the mirrors and are very small. The scratch near the gill is a vertical scratch and is about 2" long and not very deep. Will the Mother's product still work? If so, I'll email you when I'm ready. Thanks, I appreciate your offer to help.